Lower Merion Police are very busy these days – they’re in the midst of investigating a recent rash of burglaries of homes in the township, in particular, the Bala Cynwyd, Merion and Merion Park communities.
In fact, there have been 25 break-ins since January with five on the same block in the last two weeks, leaving many wondering what they can do to prevent this from happening to them.
"I'm thinking about putting some things in a safe deposit box in the bank until I can figure out what to do," one resident told NBC’s Claudia Rivero.
So on Monday night the police department gathered hundreds of Main Line residents at the Saint Matthias Parish Center to inform them of the circumstances surrounding the break-ins and to educate them on how to protect their homes, families and belongings.
According to police, most of the robberies are happening during the day, when people are at work. They believe that the thieves look for open windows or unlocked doors.
Just last week, a man in his 50s forced his way into a home through the front door, but fled when he realized the owner was there. He left in a newer model white Ford F-series with an extended cab and ladder rack.
Police are strongly urging residents to keep their eyes open not only for the man in the white truck, but for suspicious behavior. They’re reinforcing that all doors and windows be locked and asking anyone that sees anything of concern to call the cops.
”Be vigilant,” suggests robbery victim Sandy Harm. “Keep your eye out for strangers who are just sitting around and keep an eye on each other’s properties.”
